Aussie Critic Says Buying F-35 Fighters Is Total Disaster When Operating Against Chinese PLA

An Aussie critic expressed regret at Canberra's purchase of F-35 fighters because all indicators show the stealth fighter will be a total disaster.

Especially if it goes into action against the Chinese PLA in the Indo-Pacific that disadvantages the touted fifth-generation fighter.

F-35 Fighters Too Weak Against the Chinese PLA

According to the senior Australian journalist, Brian Toohey, who has written for Australia's national security policy since 1973 has panned the sale of these US stealth jets, reported EurAsian Times.

Canberra has signed up for 72 of them (3 squadrons), with a fourth squadron to make it 96 in all. But he stressed the costly maintenance of the fighters owned by the RAF, and a refund should be asked for.

For example, the costs of the JSF program at $16 billion, and getting 72 units was too much. So far, there are 54 of the 72 F-35As, and they will be operational by 2023.

Defense experts and Australian media reveal the US stealth fighter is problematic. The earliest variant from 2013 cannot be updated and is already obsolete. All the shortcomings with the F-35 capabilities are crucial to Australia's security status.

Why Is It a Total Disaster Despite Promotion?

Experts severely criticize it because its range is only 1000 kilometers, and 500 if refueled in midair for a total of 1,500 km, lesser than the J-20 that can travel farther.

Reaching the South China Sea is impossible for US F-35 fighters; the chances of having a tanker in a hot area are slim, leading to total disaster when the Chinese PLA comes into force.

According to the Australian defense journalist Anthony Galloway, only 500 km of range and when more fuel is spent in combat will make it hard on the fighter.

Despite having a top speed of Mach 1.6, which it can sustain for 50 seconds, then it's subsonic, which makes it slow to engage a target. Slower than a 4 and 4++ generation fighter.

How Well Can It Face China

Another stumbling block to operating the JSF fighter is the latest version owned by Australia, which has the Block 3F software. Digital OS made by Lockheed Martin, which is too expensive to keep updated, per The Conversation.

A year ago, Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, the USAF's deputy chief of staff, did not convince the Block 3F software is not enough as China and Russia are improving their 5th generation stealth.

Hinote responded by pointing out that the USAF did not even employ the latest iteration of the F-35 during the 2018 and 2019 war games, which centered on the situation of a Chinese aerial assault on Taiwan, citing Defense PK.

He also expressed misgivings that the newest US stealth fighter variant is not enough and won't even be used in these combat scenarios.

One solution is another upgrade to the Block 4 operating system software, which will be too late when it becomes available in 2027. Included following improvements will be better protective and defensive equipment and weapons.

Overall getting these F-35 fighters and knowing they would be total disasters if the jets faced off against the Chinese PLA.